Movie Review: “Mortal Kombat” is yet another mediocre movie based on a beloved video game

MOVIE REVIEW: MORTAL KOMBAT (R)

Looking back, one might find it incredibly difficult to choose a video game-turn-movie that’s truly worth recommending. Sure, “Tomb Raider” was a modest hit, “Super Mario Brothers” holds nostalgic value for many a gamer, and “Silent Hill” has a fitting dark tone, but do any of these movies beg to be rewatched on a regular basis? That’s debatable.

Now, before getting to the actual review, let it be known that I’m not much of a gamer so I don’t have any sort of deep-rooted attachment to the source material. I can also tell you that I remember disliking the 1995 version of “Mortal Kombat” immensely but if I’m being completely honest, I can’t remember a damn thing about it these days. And I suspect 25 years from now, I won’t remember this version much either.

Based on the beloved game of the same name, “Mortal Kombat” tells the tale of Cole Young, a man who discovers that he may be destined for much more than MMA fighting after learning of his true heritage. This discovery ultimately brings Cole face to face with otherwordly warriors and also finds him bonding with colorful allies all in an effort to protect the universe as we know it.

As directed by Simon McQuoid, this take on “Mortal Kombat” is briskly paced at best and pretty forgettable at worst. The characters are fittingly cartoony with fierce Sub Zero and foul-mouthed (and arrogant) mercenary Kano coming across as the most entertaining. The visual effects are of the CG variety and the action sequences, while far from bad, aren’t particularly dynamic or memorable. Quite frankly, I’d much rather watch something like “Big Trouble in Little China” to get my cartoony, campy, adventurous martial arts movie fix.

As for the R rating, the team behind “Mortal Kombat” opt to lay on the gore but it all feels tacked on. Translation; It simply feels like a ploy to land an R rating in an effort to appeal to gorehounds. And again, it doesn’t help that most of the bloodshed is of the CG variety, and very seldom is it particularly effective.

“Mortal Kombat” isn’t a complete waste. There are colorful moments, a handful of fun beats, and a couple of charismatic characters here and there. That said, this movie never really feels like anything more than a preview for something bigger. And in the end, if you’re looking for that ultimate video game-turn-movie, you’re going to have to keep looking.